We offer a prestigious Research Associate training programme for a social scientist to gain inter-disciplinary research skills in plant, animal and human health, conservation and science-policy interfaces with a view to developing as a research leader that can respond to global societal challenges, aligned to NERC and UKRI strategy. The 3-year structured training programme will provide practical experience of working within our active research projects whilst acquiring specialist and wider skills valuable for your future career.

You will join projects in the UK, Europe and India that investigate the human dimensions of conservation and human health including conservation conflicts, understanding and improving the science-policy interface around nature conservation and zoonotic diseases, including One Health multi-sectoral approaches and the interaction between conservation, human and animal health.

Main duties will include:

undertaking of ethnographic interviews of stakeholder groups and individuals to understand values, places, practices, identities and experiences and how these may be affected by projected changes

development of questionnaires and apps to understand current and future uptake of disease modelling and the social processes that determine exposure and disease impact

It is essential that you have a PhD in social science along with proven skills in interviewing informants, particularly about policy, conservation or public health.

You must have excellent oral communication skills and strong writing skills.

A proven track record in organising stakeholder workshops, preferably in an international context, would be required.

You must have experience of working in other European or Lower Middle Income Countries and the capacity to work without significant supervision.

The ability to work flexibly as part of a team and the ability to deliver to tight deadlines is also essential.

What we offer

NERC offer a public sector pension scheme, 30 days’ annual leave and 10½ days’ public and privilege holiday per annum. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and will encourage your continuing professional development as part of our career support.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role.